Tractor run raises more than £30,000 in memory of farmer’s son

Tractors old and new brought out the crowds and raised thousands for charity at two events in Wales.

A charity tractor run in memory of a farmer’s son who died in a farm accident has raised more than £30,000, with two of the charities that have supported the family since his death set to receive some of the money.

Ianto Jenkins, aged three, loved tractors and the colour yellow and the two converged for the 18-mile run through the Pembrokeshire countryside.

The event brought together around 300 tractors, lorries, motorcycles and cars adorned with yellow bows, ribbons and flowers.

See also: Road run held in memory of farmer and tractor enthusiast

Ianto’s father, Guto, who organised the event with his family and friends, said his son would have been “so proud” of the scale of the event.

“He would have loved it,” said Mr Jenkins, a dairy farmer.

The run set off from Crymych Mart Ground and ended at Mr Jenkins’ farm at Rhosfach, Efailwen, with a concert and an auction of promises.

‘Awesome’ support

“The support was awesome,” said Mr Jenkins. “We have raised around £30,500 and the money is still coming in.”

He said counselling from the bereavement charity, 2 Wish Upon a Star, had helped him since his son’s death in August 2021 and that organisation, together with the DPJ Foundation, which had supported other family members, would receive some of the money raised.

Among the other recipients are Cylch Meithrin Crymych, the nursery Ianto attended, and Nebo Chapel Cemetery, where he was laid to rest.

Crymych Fire Station and Crymych First Responders will also benefit.

Vintage tractor run

Elswhere in Wales, the first national Vintage Tractor Road Run since 2019 brought together more than 400 vehicles on Easter Sunday.

The convoy of vintage and new tractors, including the oldest, a 1941 Farmall, set off from Llanilid Farm, Pencoed, the home of Wayne Griffiths, a beef and sheep farmer and one of the event organisers.

Mr Griffiths drove a David Brown 880, a tractor his father had bought new 55 years ago but was now “semi-retired”.

Tractors lined up for vintage rally © Rob David

The run, hosted by the Glamorgan branch of the National Vintage Tractor and Engine Club, followed a route through the villages of Glamorgan before finishing at Sealands Farm, Wick.

Arable farmer Richard Anthony had five tractors entered in the run including the largest, a quadtrac.

Mr Anthony said it was the first major agricultural event in the area since before the pandemic and the desire of the farming community to get together was reflected in the big turnout, both of tractors and supporters.

“We had around 800 people at the event and in every village that we passed through there were people out waving and clapping,” Mr Anthony said.

“As a farmer that means a huge amount, to see the community showing solidarity with farmers and making us feel very much a part of that.”

The run has raised around £20,000 for the Wales Air Ambulance and Marie Curie.